Love can sometimes lead people down unexpected and dark paths. These are the chilling stories of ten women who became entangled with some of history’s most infamous cult leaders, often with tragic consequences. Whether through manipulation, devotion, or a search for belonging, their lives took dramatic turns as they became partners in these disturbing movements.
Patricia Krenwinkel
Patricia Krenwinkel’s life changed when she met Charles Manson in 1967. Manson, who was 20 years old, was the first person to call her beautiful. She joined Manson’s “family” and became a key member. Krenwinkel enforced Manson’s rules and participated in the infamous Tate-LaBianca murders in 1969, even writing “Helter Skelter” in blood at the crime scene.
Initially sentenced to death, Krenwinkel’s sentence was reduced to life imprisonment. She has been denied parole multiple times, though a 2022 grant was reversed by Governor Newsom. Today, she remains incarcerated at the California Institution for Women. Her story is a chilling example of manipulation and the dark side of devotion.[1]
Tomoko Matsumoto
Tomoko Matsumoto was drawn to Shoko Asahara, the leader of AUM Shinrikyo, because of his non-violent teachings. She married Asahara in 1978 and had six children with him. Asahara’s mental state declined, and he claimed to receive revelations that led to the infamous 1995 Tokyo subway sarin gas attack.
Tomoko was charged with conspiracy to commit murder in 1994. Though she denied involvement in the gas attacks, she was sentenced to six years in prison in 1999. After her release in 2002, she changed her name and moved back to Tokyo. Her life remains intertwined with the legacy of AUM Shinrikyo.[2]
Mary Sue Hubbard
Mary Sue Whipp married L. Ron Hubbard, the founder of Scientology, in 1952. She became a central figure in the Church of Scientology and headed the Guardian’s Office. In 1977, an FBI raid exposed a covert campaign against Scientology’s perceived enemies, orchestrated by Mary Sue.
In 1979, Mary Sue was sentenced to five years in prison for conspiring against the government. She was released after a year due to medical issues and died in 2002. Her story illustrates the intensity and controversies within Scientology during her time.[3]
Mother Divine (Sweet Angel)
Edna Rose Ritchings, known as Sweet Angel, became the wife of Father Divine in 1946. Father Divine was considered God incarnate by his followers in the International Peace Mission Movement. Sweet Angel was believed to carry the spirit of his first wife.
Mother Divine traveled with Father Divine, participated in rituals, and managed the organization. After Father Divine’s death, she continued to lead the Peace Mission until her death in 2017 at the age of 91. Her unwavering devotion kept the movement alive for decades.[4]
Natalia Guerra
Natalia Guerra met Ramón Gustavo Castillo, also known as Antares de la Cruz, and together they founded the “Calypso” cult. Castillo maintained sexual relationships with all the women in his group and considered it a religious tradition.
In a disturbing act, Castillo and Guerra sacrificed their infant child, believing she was the antichrist. Guerra was sentenced to five years in prison for the murder. This tragic event highlights the extreme beliefs and actions that can occur within a cult. [5]
Kyoko Okawa
Kyoko Okawa was a key figure in the Happy Science movement, led by her husband, Ryuho Okawa. Followers believed Ryuho was the earth’s greatest savior. Kyoko led the women’s group and authored books for Happy Science.
In 2009, Kyoko announced plans to abandon pacifist teachings for a more aggressive stance against China and North Korea. However, in 2011, she divorced Ryuho and was expelled from the organization due to alleged damage to the organization’s reputation.[6]
Bonnie Nettles
Bonnie Nettles and Marshall Applewhite co-founded Heaven’s Gate. Nettles, who was seeking spiritual contact, believed she communicated with a 19th-century monk. Together, they attracted followers and anticipated a celestial voyage.
Nettles guided the group’s mystical interpretations. Her death in 1985 shifted the theology, leading to the tragic mass suicide in 1997. Her influence on Heaven’s Gate was profound and shaped its ultimate fate.[7]
Sara Aldrete
Sara Aldrete was a member of the “Narcosatanicos,” a satanic drug cult in Matamoros. The cult was involved in drug activities, rituals, and murders. Adolfo Constanzo, the leader, was known as the “Godfather of Matamoros,” and Aldrete was his close companion.
Aldrete was sentenced to 62 years in jail for her involvement in the cult’s killings; however, her sentence was reduced, and she was released in 2002 after 13 years. She wrote a book about her experiences, providing her perspective on the cult and her involvement. [8]
Karen Zerby
Karen Zerby joined Teens for Christ (later The Family International) and became the personal secretary to David Berg, the group’s founder. Zerby married Berg after his separation from his first wife. She played a role in transcribing Berg’s teachings.
After Berg’s death in 1994, Zerby became the organization’s leader. Despite operational changes, the group remains controversial, with accusations of abuse. Under Zerby’s leadership, the cult persists today.[9]
Betty Holloway/Marjorie Huntley/Olive Byrne
William Marston, the creator of Wonder Woman, led a polyamorous sex cult. Marston married Sadie Elizabeth Holloway (Betty) and later introduced Olive Byrne into their relationship. Their unconventional arrangement evolved into a free love cult.
Marston, Betty, and Olive embraced principles of nudity, dominance, and submission. Marston believed in female sexual empowerment and envisioned a future society led by women, which influenced his creation of Wonder Woman. Their story is perhaps one of the most unusual on this list.[10]
These ten stories offer a glimpse into the complex and often disturbing relationships between women and cult leaders. From devotion and manipulation to tragedy and infamy, each narrative provides a unique perspective on the dynamics within these cults.
Which of these stories shocked you the most? Leave your comment below and share your thoughts!
